Polaris is
called the North Star because its position in the sky defines the
direction of due north. If you were at the North Pole, Polaris
would be directly overhead. Polaris is not a bright
star. It is the end star in the tail of the little dipper in
Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Its name comes from the Latin,
Stella Polaris, meaning "Pole Star."

Polaris
appears to be motionless at the center of the field of circumpolar
stars. All the other stars appear to circle around
Polaris. Currently it is about 1 degree from the celestial
pole.

You can find
Polaris by finding the big dipper. The 2 stars at the end of
the dipper point directly to Polaris.